An award-winning Welsh social enterprise has showcased its manufacturing capabilities at Africa Fashion Week in London after producing a bespoke collection for a Cardiff-based designer.
ELITE Clothing Solutions, which supports disabled and disadvantaged people into employment, was selected by artist and designer Adeola to manufacture 10 pairs of bespoke trousers for her London catwalk show.
The Ebbw Vale social enterprise worked with Adeola throughout the design and production process, helping to select materials that would complement her collection while meeting its environmental aims.
Adeola is the founder of Add an Apron, a slow-fashion brand established in Cardiff in 2024. She approached ELITE to produce trousers to accompany her Africa-inspired, hand-painted organic cotton aprons.
The designer wanted to keep production as local as possible and work with a manufacturing partner that shared her social values.
Chris Morant, Enterprise Manager at ELITE Clothing Solutions, said: “Adeola wanted to work with local organisations and we were delighted to support her. She sent through initial designs, and we collaborated throughout the creative process to bring them to life including what fabric would be best to showcase her designs best but also to be environmentally friendly.”
ELITE machinists Michelle and Lisa produced the 10 pairs of trousers, with each garment individually sized for a catwalk model.
The designs could move into wider production following their appearance at Africa Fashion Week.
Adeola said: “I’m based in Cardiff and while there are a lot of manufacturers in England, I wanted my creations to be as local as possible. With ELITE there was an added bonus of it being a social enterprise which aligned with my ethos.
“The ELITE team are amazing; they’re like a little family. They were so welcoming and patient and held my hand through the process. We were in constant contact.
“I’m pleased with the final looks. The pieces looked really good on the runway.”
ELITE Clothing Solutions is one of three social enterprises operated by the charity ELITE Supported Employment.
The organisation has worked with Transport for Wales since 2023, producing a range of clothing including aprons, shirts, jumpers, T-shirts and polo shirts.
In 2025, ELITE became part of Fedcap, a global nonprofit organisation focused on creating sustainable employment opportunities for people who face barriers to work.
Christine McMahon, President and CEO of Fedcap, said: “We are incredibly proud to see ELITE Clothing Solutions’ work showcased at Africa Fashion Week in London and to celebrate the talent and craftsmanship of the team. This collaboration is also part of something much bigger. Across Fedcap, our organisations such as Runway of Dreams are helping to build a stronger adaptive fashion ecosystem – bringing together designers, manufacturers, employers, and people with disabilities to expand opportunity, challenge convention and create clothing that better reflects the needs of everyone.”
